Stop means for -textile machines



March 6; 1945. H. sEA'RLEs ETAL 2,371,110

I STOP MEANS FOR TEXTILE MACHINES v Filed March 7, 1944 21Shee"ts-Shee 1 Fig; 2 I

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HARRY SEARLES. LAWRENCE w. empms AND LSWORTH E. CARLSON 6,1945-" Y HSEm ES ETA'L 2,371,110,

STOP MEANS FOR TEXTILE MACHINES Filed March 7, 1944 2 Sheets-Sheet INVEN TOR.

HARRY sukmmuwnsflce \MGRIFFIS AND BY ELLSWORTHLCARLSON Patented as. e, is l start STOP MEANS FOR TILE l W 1 Inn, New York. N. Y.

Application March '3, 119%,, Serial No. 525,366

18 Claims. (Ell. 68-163) This invention relates to textile machines and particularly to'improvements in the feeding of thread or yarn therein or thereto. More particularly, the invention is directed to stop'means' for use in the textile arts for causing machine stoppage under abnormal conditions of thread or yarn passage.

In United States Letters Patent No. 2,330,212, dated September 28, 1943, granted to Clyde B. Hayes and Henry J. Czech, there is disclosed a novel stop means for textile machines wherein the necessity for individual drop wires or heddles for each thread is obviated by the provision 0! a pair ofspaced electrodes which'are effective to close an electrical circuit when bridged by a thread having electrically conductive properties. In the aforesaid application a pair of spaced parallel rollers are provided and the rollers, which comprise a single electrode, rotate counter to the direction of thread-movement. The sec- According to the present invention means are provided for exerting an electrostatic attractive force against a number of threads or strands as they pass the stop means in such a way that it 0nd electrodeis disposedbetween the pair of spaced rollers.

In the stop means of the patent referred to in the preceding paragraph, the, force of gravity alone is relied upon for causing broken or slack threads or strands to fall to the stop means for activating the same. This renders operation uncertain under some conditions. By way of example, cotton thread'or yarn may be characterized by. the presence of minute cotton fibres which project laterally from the main body of the thread. Incertain textile machines, tricot I ,knitting machines for instance, a number of the projecting tentacles or processes of adjacent threads or strands.

The foregoing reference to cotton yarn is set Q forth merely by way of example and similar difliculties may be encountered in the use of other strandsor threads, either natural or synthetic.

Slight miss-ligaments of warp may result in an untensed or broken thread being supported by adjacent threads even without the objectionable tentacles or fuzz found on'cotton yarn.

Further, other influences may militate against,

the prompt dropping of abnormal threads or strands, particularly where relatively fine thread or yarn is being operated upon. Casual convection currents and the attractive o'rrepulsive effects of extraneous static electrical charges are among the adventitious influences which may prevent or delay the prompt dropping of slack, broken or otherwise abnormal threads or strands.

,ing to activate stop means.

field may be generated in a variety of ways. flwo any of them become slack or broken, it will be quickly displaced from the normal thread path by electrostatic attraction, the displacement serv- The electrostatic embodiments described in detail hereinafter and illustrated in the accompanying drawings show means for applying electrostatic charges created both frictionally and inductively.

While the disclosed embodiments show electrostatic means for supplementing the attraction of gravity on the several threads or strands, elec-- trostatic forces of sufiiclent intensity may be generated whereby to cause upward displacement of threads, in which case the stop means will be above a bank of threads. Similarly, sufiicient electrostatic force may be provided to displace threads or strands laterally from a normal vertical or oblique path.

By way of example the invention is shown, in

the present instance, as applied to a tricot knitting machine, and again by way of example, it will be assumed that cotton thread or yarn is being knitted. Itis to be understood, however,

that the principles of the invention are not lim-' Fig. 2 is a fragmentary front elevational view I of the stop means of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fix. 1 but showing an alternative form of the invention; and

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 2 but showin the stop means of Fig. 3. p

Throughout the several figures of the drawings like characters of reference denote like parts.

" In the accompanying drawings we have illustrated only the electrodes comprising the present novelarrangement. These electrodes are preferably associated with machine controlling electrical circuits in the manner clearly shown and described in Hayes'et al. Patent No. 2,330,212,

' teachings of the present invention.

wherein the circuit containing the electrodes serves as the input of an audion ampliiler whose output circuit directly controls machine operation by association with conventional relay operated switches. Since every detail of the electrical portion of the device of the present invention, beginning with the electrical conductors leading from the illustrated electrodes, may be identical withthe electrical means shown and completely described in the prior application, the disclosure of that part of the present device will not be repeated here.

In Figs. 1 and 2 the numeral l designates one of a pair of side frame members of a textile machine which, as has been indicated, may be a tricot knitting machine. Thread or yarn is designated ll in Fig. i and, in the example given,

comes from the right as viewed in Fig: 1 from a warp beam (not shown).

In Fig. 1 the numerals II and I4 designat a whip roll and a tension bar, respectively, which are schematically shown. In the illustrated instance the whip roll i2 and tension bar I serve to guide the warp in a substantially horizontal direction during its passage between those two elements. From the tension bar It the thread or yarn moves downwardly to the knitting mechanism of the machine (not shown).

It may bereiterated here that any form of electro-sensitive warp stop means may be used in combination with the present thread or yarn diverting means without departing from the basic Specific preferred forms of the stop means per se are, however, set forth here by way of example.

It is contemplated that more than one separate set of machine stopping devices may be used in a given machine, where separate thread or yarn paths exist. This will be found, for instance, in conventional tricot machines employing more than one warp beam.

In Figs. 1 and 2 the numeral i5 designates an elongate pan which extends from one end of the machine to the other beneath the entire warp. The pan is may be attached to the machine in any convenient manner. In its illustrated form the pan l5, which is of arcuate transverse cross section, rests in a pair of insulating blocks l6 which in turn are secured to a base plate supported at its opposite ends by the end walls of pan l5. The preferred cross sectional form of tube 20 is shown in Fig. 1 audit has disposed thereabout a sleeve 2| of relatively closely knit fabric which his snugly about the tube so that the fabric stretches tautly' across ,the convex asvauo moderate pressure so that liquid emerges from the apertures 22 to keep the fabric stretched across the top of tube 20 thoroughly wet. Excess liquid spilling over the edges of tube 20 or dropping from the bottom of fabric sleeve 2| is caught by pan l5 which, in the illustrated form, is pitched lengthwise so that liquid caught thereby is drained off through a conduit 25.

As indicated schematically in Fig. 2, the drain conduit 25 leads to the inlet sid of a pump 25 whose outlet communicates with the conduit 23 leading to tube 20. In Fig. 2 the numeral 2'! schematically indicates the presence of a filter unit in conduit 25.

The assembly, including the pan i5, tube 20 and wetted fabric 2|, comprises one electrode of the primary machine stopping circuit. The opposite electrode comprises a pair of wires and iii which are stretched between insulating blocks 42 and carried thereby. The wires 40' and 4| extend parallel to tube 20 at opposite sides thereof and are preferably disposed so that their top surfaces are substantially co-planar with the top surface of tube 20 and sleeve 2| as shown in Fig. 1. The degree of spacing of tube 20 relative to the normal path of the warp and the disposition of wires 40 and 4| with respect to both the warp and tube 20 will vary between certain limits, according to whether the warp being handled is nylon, cotton, rayon, silk, wool or other material.

In Fig. 1 a sley bar is shown at ll, between the stop means and the tension bar H, for retaining proper spacing of the individual threads of the warp.

A critical factor in the warp stop set forth herein is the provision of an abundance of moisture at the upper surface of fabric sleeve 2|, so that threads engaging it wet out rapidly and the liquid taken up in wetting out is immediately replaced so that the wetting out process may continue until either of the electrodes 40 or ll is encountered, whereupon machine stoppage occurs instantaneously.

Referring particularly to Fig. 1, the numerals and 5| designate a pair of insulated conductors extending substantially parallel to the previously described stop mechanism and to each other. The conductors 50 and 5| are supported by blocks 52 which in turn may be supported by brackets 53 secured to machine side frame l0 and its companion side frame at the opposite side of the maupper side of he tube. Such convex upper side is provided with a series of apertures 22 which extends substantially the entire length of tube 20.

The interior of tube 20 is fed with liquid which may be a water solution of a suitable salt or chine. In Fig. 2 the numeral 55 designate an electrical connection for conductor 50 and the V,

conductor 5| has a like connection, not shown.

The fundamentalprinciple of the form of the invention illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 is the establishment of an electrostatic difference of potential between the conductors 55 and 5|, whereby an attractive force is exerted against the warp II. This results in immediate movement of broken or slack threads or strand from the normal path to the conductors 50 and 5|, which insures their immediate engagement with the tube 20 and the electrodes ill and II and'the consequent stopping of the machine.

The provision or the desired electrostaticdifference of potential across conductors 50 and 5| may be eifected in any manner known to those skilled in the electrical arts. It i contemplated that in the example of Figs. v1 and 2 the conductors 50 and 5| may comprise the opposed electrodes of a conventional electrostatic induction machine (not shown) which may be a Wimshurst or a Toepler-Holtz static induction machine.

Inthe embodimentofl lgs. 3and4thesame= general purpose is in view, namely, the attraction of slack or broken warp threads to an electrosensitive stop device by the attractive force of an electrostatic charge. In the apparatus of Figs. 3 and 4, however, the electrostatic charge is generated frictionally. i

As in Figs. 1 and 2, the embodiment of Figs. 3 and 4 illustrates a knitting machine side frame element 60, a whip roll ti, a tension bar 62, a sley bar 63 and warp threads extending between the whip roll 6! and the tension bar 62, as at M. Referring particularly to Fig. 3. an elongate pan at extends transversely beneath thewarp and a roller 57 is journalled in bearing blocks 68 which in turn are supported by inverted U-shaped brackets 89 secured to the side frame members of the machine. The pan fitrests on a pair of insulating blocks it which are supported by a plate H.

which connects at its opposite ends with the brackets tt. i

The pan 'tt contains conductive liquid it and a wick l insures uniform liquid coating of the roller t'l upon rotation thereof and prevents the possibility of splashing of liquid from the pan. The assembly comprising the pan, the roller til, the wick and the liquid comprises one. electrode of a machine stopping circuit and a pair of exposed conductors M and '3! which extend parallel to roller til at opposite sides thereof, being supported between the blocks '68, comprise the opposed electrode.

A second roller 32 is journaled in insulating blocks til which are secured to the machine side irames by brackets M. The rollers ti and 3-2 are belt-connected as at tit for joint rotationain a counter-clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 3 and they are intended to be continuously driven at a moderate speed by connection with any suitable shaft of the knitting machine (not shown). Speeds oi the general order of 8 R. P. M. are suitable. The roller lit is hollow and is the element which receives the electrostatic charge for attracting slack or broken warp threads in the warp phenolic-bonded iibre and it will be noted that a further roller at is jonrnaled in blocks lit in such position as to have tangential contact with roller t2. The roller 83 is of glass, amber, or other mammal having similar ability to generate an electrostatic charge. A mounting shaft for roller lit extends to a point outside of frame (it, as appears in Fig. 4. where it may have direct connection with the drive shaft of an independent electric motor til. The motor 99 rotates the roller tit at a relatively high speed and its frictional rubbing action imparts a substantial electrostatic charge to roller 82 to attract slack or broken threads.

The rotative movement of rollers Bl and 82 tends to move threads in contact therewith from roller 67 to electrode Wire 80 whereby the thread or yarn wetted byroller 61 closes a machine stopping circuit.

Referring new again to the embodiment of Figs. 1 and 2, where two warp beams are employed, as in conventional tricpt knitting machines, and

consequently separate warp paths exist, the liquid flow circuit may include both warp stops in sere flow of liquid from an upper warp stop to a lower one being under the force of gravity.

What is claimed is: 1. In a. textile machine having knittin mechanism, a warp beam for supplying yarn thereto, and means for consti'aining normal threads to a predetermined normal path between said warp beam and said knitting mechanism; stop means adjacent said normal thread path and sensitive to displacement of a thread from said predetermined normal path, and means providing an electrostatic field of suflicient intensity to displace broken or slack threads from said normal path to actuate said stop means.

2. Ina textile machine having knitting mechanism, a warp beam for supplying yarn thereto, and means for constraining normal threads to a predetermined normal path between said warp beam and said knitting mechanism; a machine-stopping circuit having spaced electrodes adjacent said normal thread path, said circuit being closable by displacement of a. thread from said predetermined'normal path to said electrodes, and

means providing an electrostatic-field of sufiicient intensity to displace broken or slack threads from said normal path to actuate said stop means.

3. In a textile machine having thread-feeding means and means for constraining normal threads to a predetermined normal path, stop means adjacent said normal thread path and sensitive to displacement of a thread from said predetermined normal path, and'rneans for gencrating an electrostatic field of sumcient intensity to displace broken or slack threads from said normal path to actuate said stop means.

4. In a textile machine having thread-feedin means and means for constraining normal threads to a predetermined normal path, a machine-stopping circuit having spaced electrodes adjacent said normal thread path, said circuit being closable by displacement of a thread from said predetermined normal path to said electrodes, and means for generating an electrostatic field of suficient intensity to displace broken or slack threads from said normal path to actuate said stop means.

5. In a textile machine having knitting mechanism, a warp beam for supplying yarn thereto, and means for constraining normal threads to a predetermined normal path between said warp beam and said knitting mechanism; stop means adjacent said normal thread path and sensitive to displacement oi a thread from said predetered normal path, and means for generating an electrostatic field to urge broken or slack threads from said normal path to actuate said stop means.

6.@In a textile machine having thread-feeding means and means for constraining normal threads to a predetermined normal path, stop means adjacent said normal thread path and sensitive to displacement of a thread from said predetermined normal path, and means for generating an electrostatic field to urge broken or slack threads from said normal path to actuate said stop means. i

7. In a textile machine havingknitting mechanism, a warp beam for supplying yarn thereto, and means for constraining normal threads to a predetermined normal path between. said warp beam'and said knitting mechanism; stop means adjacent said normal thread path and sensitive to displacement of a thread from said predetermined normal path, means likewise adjacent said stop means and likewise adjacent said thread path for receiving an electrostatic charge to attract broken or slack warp threads to actuate said, stop means. and means movable frictionally against said last mentioned means for generating said electrostatic charge.

8; In a textile machine having knitting mecha- I nism, a warp beam for supplyin yarn thereto.

and means for constrainingnormal threads to a predetermined normal path between said warp beam and said knitting mechanism; a machinestopping circuit having spaced electrodes adjacent said normal thread path, said circuit being closable by displacement of a thread from said predetermined normal path to said electrodes,

means likewise adjacent said stop means and likespaced terminals and induction means for Senerating an electrostatic potential gradient thereacross, said spaced terminals being adjacent said thread path and said stop means to attract broken or slack warp threads to actuate said stop means.

14. In a textile machine having knitting mechanism, a warp beam for supplying yarn thereto, and means for constraining normal threads to a predetermined normal path between said warp threads to a predetermined normal path, stop means adjacent said normal thread path and sensitive to displacement of a thread from said predetermined normal path, means likewise adjacent said step means and likewise adjacent said thread path for receiving an electrostatic charge to attract broken or slack warp threads to actuate said stop means, and means movable frictionally against said last mentioned means for generating said electrostatic charge.

10. In a textile machine having thread-feeding means and means for constraining normal threads to a predetermined normal path, a machine-stopping circuit having spaced electrodes adjacent said normal thread path,'said circuit being closable by displacement of a thread from said predetermined normal path to said electrodes, means likewise adjacent said stop means and likewise adjacent said thread path for receiving an electrostatic charge to attract broken or slack warp threads to actuate said stop means, and means movable frictionally against said last mentioned means for generating said electrostatic charge.

11. In a textile machine having knitting mechanism, a warp beam for supplying yarn thereto, and means for constraining normal threads to a predetermined normal path between said warp beam and said knitting mechanism; stop means adjacent said normal thread path and sensitive to displacement of a thread from said predetermined normal path, means likewise adjacent said stop means and likewise adjacent said thread path for receiving an electrostatic charge to attract broken or.siack warp threads to actuate said stop means, and means movable frictionally against said last mentioned means for generating said electrostatic charge.

12. In a textile machine having thread-feeding means and means for constraining normal threads to a predetermined normal path, stop means adjacent said normal thread path and sensitive to displacement of a thread from Saik predetermined normal path, means likewise adjacent said stop means and likewise adjacent said thread path for receiving an electrostatic charge to attract broken or slack warp threads to actuate said stop means, and means movable frictionally against said last mentioned means for generating said electrostatic charge.

13. In a textile machine having knitting mechanism, a warp beam for supplying yarn thereto, and means for constraining normal threads to a predetermined normal path between said warp beam and said knitting mechanism; stop means adjacent said normal thread path and sensitive to displacement of a thread from said predetermined normal path, and an electrical circuit having beam and said knitting mechanism; a machinestopping circuit having spaced electrodes adjacent said normal thread path, said circuit being closable by displacement of a thread from said predetermined normal path to said electrodes, and an electrical circuit having spaced terminals and induction means for generating an electrostatic potential gradient thereacross, said spaced terminals being adjacent said thread path and said stop means to attract broken or slack warp threads to actuate said stop means.

15. In a textile machine having thread-feeding means and means for constraining normal threads to a predetermined normal path, stop means adjacent said normal thread path and. sensitive to displacement of a thread from said predetermined normal path, and an electrical circuit having spaced terminals and induction means for generating an electrostatic potential gradient thereacross, said spaced terminals being adjacent said thread path and said stop means to attract broken or slack warp threads to actuate said stop means.

16. In a textile machine having thread-feeding means and means for constraining normal threads to a predetermined normal path, a machine-stopping circuit havingspaced electrodes adjacent said normal thread path, said circuit being closable by displacement of a thread from said predetermined normal path to said. electrodes, and an electrical circuit having spaced terminals and induction means for generating an electrostatic potential gradient thereacross, said spaced terminals being adjacent said thread path and said stop means to attract broken or slack warp threads to actuate said stop means.

17. In a textile machine having knitting mechanism, a warp beam for supplying yarn thereto, and means for constraining normal threads to a predetermined normal path between said warp beam and said knitting mechanism; stop means adjacent said normal thread path and sensitive to displacement of a thread from said predetermined normal path, and an electrical circuit having spaced terminals and induction means for generating an electrostatic potential gradient thereacross, said spaced terminals being adjacent saidthread path and said stop means to attract broken or slack warp threads to actuate said stop means.

18. In a textile machine havin thread-feeding means and means for constraining normal threads to a predetermined normal path, stop means adjacent said normal thread path and sensitive to displacement of a thread from said predetermined normal path, and an electrical circuit having spaced terminals and induction means for generating an electrostatic potential gradient thereacross, said spaced terminals being adjacent said thread path and said stop means to attract broken or slack warp threads to actuate said stop means.

HARRY SEARLES. LAWRENCE W. GRIFFIS. EILSWOR'I'H E. CARLSON. 

